During every visit in Iraq we have tried to get to know the people we decided to help the best we could. We have slept on the floor with them, we have eaten with them and listed to their advice on how to help them. We have gotten to know their needs and their dreams alike. Most of the time they have only wanted to return to their homes and start rebuilding their lives from scratch. Some thought about emigrating, leaving horrible memories and fear behind them and looking for lost happiness elsewhere. Those did not surprise us at all. After all, everyone wants to see bright future for their children. After what they have been through a decision to leave seems only natural and normal. But plenty of them just want to stay. They plan to rebuild their houses, send their children to schools and live like they used to do. Unfortunately, it is not so easy. Now, they are living in the tents in the bleak reality of displaced persons camps or in ruined empty buildings that surround them. There are awaiting news on their family members and loved ones who were kidnapped or perhaps killed. Their cities and villages have been destroyed. The ghost – cities that they have escaped from will not be the same as before the war for a long, long time to come. Thousands of families though are ready to return. They only need someone to push them in the right direction and to give them hope. Their drama sometimes reaches international media but they rarely get any support in return. Every...

Destroyed city of Qaraqosh in the heart of Niniveh Plain used to be a centre of Christianity in Iraq. Slowly, the city is coming back to life but it neds time to recover. It would not be possible without determination of its citizens and external support. A very important part of it is help that comes from Poland. Through our projects it is able to reach the most needy (read more here). What started in Iraq and Syria in 2014 can now, without a doubt be named the most tragic conflict of 21st century. A brutal onslaught of terrorists from ISIS was directed mostly against civilians. The weakest have become their main target. Even now, we still cannot speak of safety in this region. In October 2016 daesh have been pushed away from Niniveh Plain and its citizens could begin returning to their homes. In Qaraqosh, as well as in other cities taken back from the terrorists, they have seen only rubble. ISIS tried to destroy every little sign of Christian religion and culture. They burnt and profaned the churches. Streets were flooded by rubble. There was no electricity and no running water. Terrorists have mined plenty of buildings with IEDs. It took weeks for the minesweepers to arrive. But all of the people that have returned were set on not giving up. They have started rebuilding the city with their own hands. The parson led the people to the St. George church in Bertella, at the outskirts of Qaraqosh after nearly three years of not being able to do so. They have broken into singing and praying....